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August 30, 2013

30/08/2013: Brazil and US wheat market; Emerald Grain exports; first crop research centre established

Since the 2013-14 marketing year, that began back in June, Brazil has emerged as the second-largest market - beaten only by China - for US wheat. According to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, exports and undelivered sales of US wheat to Brazil totaled 1,782,500 tonnes, compared with 50,000 tonnes the previous year.

Brazil has always been a prominent importer of wheat but up to now, has been purchasing the majority of imports from neighboring Argentina.

Australian grain marketer and handler, Emerald Grain has announced plans to  double its exports at its terminal in the Port of Melbourne.

Murray Wilkinson, Emerald terminal manager told ABC that the company hopes to export more barley and canola through the Melbourne site.  

The National Science Foundation recently named Kansas State University its the lead institution for the world's first industry/university cooperative research centre on wheat.

The center, which will be known as the NSF I/UCRC Wheat Genetics Resource Center is the first  established research centre for crop plants. The main focus of the centre will involve improving the food production and disease resistance of wheat and other crop plants, as well as serving as a training hub for graduate students and young researchers.



Kansas State University
Kansas State University (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



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New! GFMT article: Exploring the challenge of single versus multi-enzyme dosing comparisons

In this article, Dr Helen Masey O'Neil, research manager and Tiago dos Santos, global technical manager, AB Vista, United Kingdom discuss the use of single versus multi-enzyme dosing.

While the inclusion of phytases has become almost ubiquitous in monogastric feeding, both to release phosphorus and to reduce the anti-nutritive effect of phytate itself (superdosing), the use of enzymes to tackle issues associated with non-starch polysaccharides (NSP, i.e. fibre) remains the subject of much discussion. 
Read the full article here.  

AB Vista discuss single versus multi-enzyme dosing


Kepler Weber

Kepler Weber covers post crop procedures in the grain production chain. Click on image to visit company website.



Adifo - BESTMIX® Formulation as a service

We live in a digital world. While laptops, tablets and smartphones have had some impact on feed production, there has been somewhat of a lag in producers' ability to react in a true real-time fashion in servicing their customers.

In light of this, software supplier Adifo has launched a cloud based collaborative platform as an extension to BESTMIX ® , its profit driven feed formulation and recipe management system.

The extension platform is bound to revolutionise the information interchange between nutrition experts and the outside world. It is hoped it will benefit all parties involved, including feed advisers, external partners and customers.

The Formulation as a Service (FaaS) solution - securely implemented in the cloud - gives users online access to part of a nutrition company's BESTMIX ® database. Users can retrieve minute-precise market data, rely on up-to-date equations and use state-of-the-art formulation functionality at any time. They can also record project or customer-specific data such as purchase costs and specifications.

How it works
At a typical multi-site feed facility, nutritionists are constantly tweaking and updating feed formulas for maximum results.

However, by using the cloud-based BESTMIX ® Formulation as a service platform, changes can be uploaded to the core system and immediately make them available to formulators and partners off-site.

Perhaps the biggest impact of the real-time basis is for the feed adviser out in the field. Instead of relying on formulation data downloads to computers, BESTMIX ® Formulation updates information and the core data platform via the cloud or mobile apps. Using this information, nutritionists can then put information on the raw material available at a site and produce a more accurate formulation for the customer.
More information.

Watch Adifo's video on the BESTMIX ® cloud-based technology below:



August 29, 2013

29/08/2013: Olam expands food processing facilities; USGC Taiwan 40th anniversary; Asia feed manager at Wilbur Ellis

Processor of agricultural products, Olam International and IFC have signed a five-year US$120 million loan agreement to finance upgrades and expansion of five food processing facilities in Nigeria and India. 

By generating employment in rural areas and creating new market opportunities, the facilities will be of great benefit to local communities.

On July 1, 1973, the Council inaugurated a partnership with Taiwan through the establishment of an office in Taipei, Taiwan. Forty years later, Taiwan has grown into a consistent top five market for U.S. coarse grains, and the Council enjoys widespread support from our buyers and partners, and high respect throughout Taiwan. - See more at: http://www.grains.org/index.php/2012-04-30-15-22-26/4316-usgc-taiwan-celebrates-40th-anniversary#sthash.4naep7jq.dpuf 
 On July 1, 1973, the Council inaugurated a partnership with Taiwan through the establishment of an office in Taipei, Taiwan. Forty years later, Taiwan has grown into a consistent top five market for U.S. coarse grains, and the Council enjoys widespread support from U.S. grain industry buyers and partners, and high respect throughout Taiwan. 

The Council has worked in Taiwan in virtually every area of demand, trade, policy and marketing of U.S. agricultural products. Taiwan has been receptive to Council initiatives in all areas of livestock industry development; value-added products such as distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), heart-healthy barley, sorghum for beer production, and corn-based bioplastics; policy regarding biotechnology and food safety; and more.
Read more...

Wilbur-Ellis Company’s Feed Division, a marketer and distributor of value-added animal feed ingredients in North America and Asia-Pacific, announced today that it has hired Jonathan F. Wilson to serve as managing director of its Feed Asia business. Wilson has lived and worked in the region for over 20 years, most recently as chief operating officer of Gold Coin Group, a large Asia-based organization specializing in animal nutrition, genetic development, and commodity trading businesses.
Forty years ago, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) inaugurated a partnership with Taiwan by setting up an office in Taiwan. Since then, Taiwan has become a major player in the market for U.S. coarse grains. 

The Council has worked with Taiwan in trade, policy and the marketing of U.S. agricultural products. Through their partnership, Taiwan and the U.S. have progressed in areas of livestock industry development; value-added products; biotechnology and food safety.  
Read more

Wilbur-Ellis has announced that it has hired Jonathan F. Wilson to serve as manging director of its Feed Asia business. For the past 20 years, Wilson has worked as chief operating officer of Gold Coin Group, a large Asia-based organisation specialising in animal nutrition, genetic development and commodity trading businesses.

“One of our primary goals in Asia is to support our customers’ efforts to achieve greater efficiencies in feed production; it’s not just about the quality products we bring, but our service and technical expertise as well,” said Wilson.  

Grain
Grain (Photo credit: Frapestaartje)










Sitting in an office in Washington, D.C., or in a combine in Nebraska, it can be difficult to grasp the impact of an office and a staff halfway around the world that has been on the job for U.S. coarse grains and co-products producers for 40 years. The U.S. Grains Council, however, recently had the chance to recognize just such contribution as the Council's Taiwan office reaching this milestone.
On July 1, 1973, the Council inaugurated a partnership with Taiwan through the establishment of an office in Taipei, Taiwan. Forty years later, Taiwan has grown into a consistent top five market for U.S. coarse grains, and the Council enjoys widespread support from our buyers and partners, and high respect throughout Taiwan.
"The Council is proud of this partnership, and is grateful for the exemplary work of the Taiwan office in sustaining such a remarkable level of cooperation for 40 years," said Tom Sleight, USGC president and CEO. "The work of the Taiwan office has truly exemplified the Council's mission of Developing Markets, Enabling Trade, Improving Lives."
- See more at: http://www.grains.org/index.php/2012-04-30-15-22-26/4316-usgc-taiwan-celebrates-40th-anniversary#sthash.4naep7jq.dpuf
Sitting in an office in Washington, D.C., or in a combine in Nebraska, it can be difficult to grasp the impact of an office and a staff halfway around the world that has been on the job for U.S. coarse grains and co-products producers for 40 years. The U.S. Grains Council, however, recently had the chance to recognize just such contribution as the Council's Taiwan office reaching this milestone.
On July 1, 1973, the Council inaugurated a partnership with Taiwan through the establishment of an office in Taipei, Taiwan. Forty years later, Taiwan has grown into a consistent top five market for U.S. coarse grains, and the Council enjoys widespread support from our buyers and partners, and high respect throughout Taiwan.
"The Council is proud of this partnership, and is grateful for the exemplary work of the Taiwan office in sustaining such a remarkable level of cooperation for 40 years," said Tom Sleight, USGC president and CEO. "The work of the Taiwan office has truly exemplified the Council's mission of Developing Markets, Enabling Trade, Improving Lives."
- See more at: http://www.grains.org/index.php/2012-04-30-15-22-26/4316-usgc-taiwan-celebrates-40th-anniversary#sthash.4naep7jq.dpuf
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New! GFMT article: Sweeping changes to OSHA’s sweep auger enforcement

In this article, Eric J Conn, head of the OSHA Practice Group, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., USA, discusses OSHA's enforcement memorandum which provides guidance on safe sweep auger work practices. 

After years of confusion and frustration in the grain industry regarding how to operate sweep augers without running afoul of Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations, OSHA has finally issued an enforcement policy for the US employers that identifies the conditions that must be met to allow employees back inside grain bins with operating sweep augers.
Read the full article here.  


Sweeping changes to OSHA’s sweep auger enforcement


Eric J Conn, head of the OSHA Practice Group, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., USA
 Eric J Conn, head of the OSHA Practice Group, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., USA








Imas

IMAS was established in 1989 as one of the daughter companies of İttifak Holding -  one of the most dynamic groups of Turkey which operates in 20 sectors with more than 100 facilities. IMAS, using MILLERAL TM for turnkey flour milling systems, performs manufacturing, marketing and service after sales processes in international norms with its professional and experienced staff. Click on image to visit company website.

Canadian Acquistion strenghtens Spiroflow's global position

Spiroflow Ltd, world-leading manufacturer of conveying and weighing systems, has strengthened its global offering with the acquisition of Canadian bulk materials handling specialist Control & Metering, based in Mississauga, Ontario.

The assets of Control & Metering were acquired through Spiroflow Systems, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of UK-based Spiroflow Ltd. The deal has not only facilitated the retention of many highly-experienced personnel, but has also enhanced Spiroflow’s global position through ownership of Control & Metering’s patented Bulk Bag Filling and Discharging technology.

Control & Metering was established in 1937, specialising in dry bulk solids handling equipment and systems. In the 1980s the company was one of the first in North America to manufacture bulk bag fillers and unloaders, pioneering technology taken for granted today. This acquisition will enable Spiroflow to consolidate its presence in Canada and North America, and offer enhanced technology and services to customers in North, South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines and Japan, as well as Europe.

Spiroflow Ltd is a manufacturer of Flexible Screw Conveyors, Aero Mechanical Conveyors, Tubular Cable and Chain Drag Conveyors, Vacuum Conveyors, Bulk Bag Dischargers, Bulk Bag Fillers, Ingredients Handling and Weighing Systems. The company’s technical and engineering expertise has led to it developing an international reputation for an unrivaled range of products with state-of-the-art control systems.

“This latest acquisition brings significant benefits to Spiroflow and our customers. First of all we gained a full order book which we immediately began to fulfill so that customers experienced minimal disruption. We will also enjoy an expanded presence in Canada which will enable us to broaden our sales, engineering, manufacturing and services capabilities for our continually growing global customer base,” said Rob Hudson, managing director at Spiroflow.

“The ethos of Control & Metering – innovation underpinned by outstanding customer service - was very much reflected in Spiroflow’s own vision. Our technical team is constantly innovating, developing new solutions and adaptations in our test centre to meet customer demand for the next improvement or upgrade. There’s no doubt that the expertise and technical excellence of Control & Metering will influence Spiroflow’s development and help us to maximise our future achievements, particularly in forthcoming new products and applications.”

English: Map of Canada
English: Map of Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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August 28, 2013

28/08/2013: Soybean damage in Russian floods; Indian agriculture minister for GM crops; new grain website

Soybean harvests have been damaged as a result of severe flooding in the Amur region of Russia.

Losses have hit at least 20 billion rubles, Anatoly Ustyuzhanin, president of the Russian Soy Union told Russian news agency Itar-Tass.

The floods have damaged 45,000 hectares of seedlings out of a total 642,000 hectares. According to Union estimates, the minimum losses of farmers and farmsteads may exceed seven billion rubles. 

Sharad Pawar, Indian agriculture minister has appealed to stakeholders, including activists and policy makers in light of the controversial issue of GM foods in India. 

Speaking recently at the lower house of the parliament of India, Pawar stated that India needs to take a sensible approach in order to solve the problem of food security in the country.

A new interactive website targeting consumers has been launched by The Grain Foods Foundation (GFF).

With several nutrition and health related video clips, the new site aims to arm consumers with common sense strategies for living well, backed by nutrition experts and evidence.
Visit website.  

 

Colorized electron micrograph of soybean cyst ...
Colorized electron micrograph of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera sp.) and egg (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Event: FIAAP & VICTAM Pavilion at Animal Farming Ukraine 2013

Victam has announced it will organise a FIAAP/VICTAM Pavilion within the Animal Farming Ukraine 2013 exhibition. Victam has chosen to support Animal Farming Ukraine again as the show presents the entire range of products in the field of animal farming and directly related businesses.

The Ukrainian livestock market is rapidly developing, this therefore offers suppliers to the feed industries of the Ukraine great opportunities.

The key product areas for the FIAAP & VICTAM Ukraine Pavilion are technology, equipment and ingredients & additives for animal feed production, grain & raw material processing, feed & grain storage.

If your company wants to penetrate the expanding feed and biomass industries within the Ukraine then the International Exhibition Centre (IEC) in Kiev, Ukraine is the place to be. From October 29- 31, 2013, meet and discuss with plant managers, nutritionists, feed formulators, CEOs and Directors and expand your sales into this important market.


FIAAP/VICTAM pavilion at Animal Farming Ukraine

Hydronix

Hydronix is the world's leading manufacturer of digital microwave sensors for moisture measurement in process control industries. Click on image to visit company website.

HGCA investment aims to help update nutrient management recommendations

HGCA is investing £700,000 in research to help update nutrient management recommendations.

Commencing this autumn and focusing on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S), the four research projects are being conducted by ADAS in collaboration with 12 industry partners who will contribute a further £250,000 in funding.

James Holmes, research manager for crop nutrition at HGCA, said, “The Fertiliser Manual (RB209) is a crucial source of information. But as farming practices move on, it is essential that nutrient management recommendations keep pace with change. This new work will play a valuable role in updating nutrient management information.”

The first project extends current research to help growers maintain an appropriate level of P in the soil.

Holmes said, “In the last 30 years, fewer fields have received P treatment as growers take ‘P holidays’. This, together with the increasing cost of P fertilisers and environmental pressures, has stimulated a lot of debate on the management of P.

“Recent research has shown how P management may need to be adapted in certain soils and has confirmed that growers running down soil P to below Olsen P Index 2 could be approaching a ‘cliff edge’ of P deficiency and risk not achieving optimum yields, especially when conditions are less than ideal.”

The new research will refine understanding of critical soil P levels and how to satisfy crop demand across a range of soil types, which could include applying ‘fresh P’ during the season.

“The use of fresh P applications is particularly interesting and HGCA work has already demonstrated that fresh P fertiliser can be effective in raising winter wheat and oilseed rape yields in plots below Olsen P Index 2. Further P-response trials will be conducted on farms to calculate when fresh P applications could be beneficial,” commented Holmes.

Two further projects will focus on the management of N.

Holmes said, “Current recommendations for N management are based on averages which fail to adequately reflect the diversity in soil types and the large variations in actual field nutrient requirements. There is also increasing evidence that N is being under-applied on some farms.”

In the first N project, a series of on-farm trials will be set up to test a novel ‘strip trial’ approach, where a standard N rate is applied along with 50kg/ha more and 50kg/ha less applied N to alternate tramlines.

“We are supporting this work with soil analysis and helping growers to set up strip trials. We will help develop a robust data set to produce a better picture of N variability and the proportion of fields that require more or less N fertiliser than predicted by RB209," said Allison Grundy, GrowHow, one of the project’s industry partners.

The second N project will look at the N requirements for winter barley.

Holmes added, “RB209 recommendations for winter barley have not been updated for around 30 years and varieties have changed significantly over that period.

“This project will review N management data and conduct experiments on application rate and timing for two-row, six-row and hybrid winter barley varieties.”

The final project takes a look at S management.

“The recent HGCA ‘yield plateau’ work found that many winter wheat and oilseed rape crops may not be receiving enough S and this could be limiting yield," said Holmes.

“This new research will extend S-response trials, as well as quantify the S supply from applications of manures and biosolids.

Dr Pete Berry, principal research scientist at ADAS, concluded, “The nutrient research projects have been designed with RB209 in mind. The projects, which will deliver findings over the next five years, will be made available to Defra to assist with future revisions of RB209.”

English: Looking the winter barley. Drive by t...
English: Looking the winter barley. Drive by the winter barley to make sure it's still there. Probably looking for slug damage, it's been wet and warm enough! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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August 27, 2013

27/08/2013: NAMA's new president; Avesthagen animal feed application; Cargill introduces horse feed

The North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) has named Jim McCarthy as the organisation’s president.

“Jim’s leadership and association management skills will be a valuable asset to NAMA and the future of our association. He joins an experienced and dynamic staff that will make for a very strong team to address our issues today and for the future,” said Jim Meyer NAMA chairman. “He is bringing a new energy to the association.”

Indian integrated systems biology platform company, Avesthagen, has entered into licensing agreements with specialty chemicals companies to produce its new animal feed application,  AvestaDHA.

"This is one step towards our continuing commitment to discovery and commercialisation of science based products that promote health and well-being throughout life. AvestaDH will serve as an acceptable and safe source of DHA for the much neglected field of animal health," said Villoo Morawala Patell, chairperson of Avesthagen.

Cargill has announced its new veterinarian-recommended Nutrena® SafeChoice® Senior horse feed, formulated to help improve senior horse nutrition.

SafeChoice® Senior is an added-fat, controlled starch, complete feed formula, ideal for senior horses and their unique needs. It is designed for horses over 15, specifically those suffering from unexpected age-related weight loss, decline in energy, difficulty maintaining muscle mass, dull hair coat or having difficulty chewing hay.
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A bay horse has a reddish-brown body coat with...
A bay horse has a reddish-brown body coat with black mane, tail, lower legs, and ear edges (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

New Molecular Advancement Center dedicated as Kemin expansion continues

The dedication of a new, state-of-the-art research and development facility at Kemin Industries’ corporate headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, has revealed an open-concept layout and 1,215 feet of linear research bench space as requested by the company’s scientists and researchers.

The $16.7 million, 46,300 square foot Molecular Advancement Center (MAC), includes two general labs, six shared labs, three pilot labs, a sensory lab, a test kitchen and a personal care application research lab. In addition to providing ample bench space, the building includes a café serving Starbucks® coffee in an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity and innovation.

The MAC is already occupied by approximately 60 scientists, researching and developing products for the feed and food industries as well as the health, nutrition and beauty markets. The company’s existing Innovation Center continues to operate at full capacity with scientists focused on discovery research and pet food.

“This new facility is more than a building. It represents our confidence in employees, commitment to Des Moines, and vision to improve the quality of life of half the world’s population,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, Kemin president and CEO. “The world today provides an enormous challenge for where we, Kemin, need to go in the next few years. By 2050, an estimated 9 billion people will occupy the planet. They will require 70 percent more food than we have today. Kemin is dedicated to making food available for the 9 billion people that will inhabit the planet and it is our mission and passion to do that with safe, nutritious food on a worldwide basis.”

Plans for the MAC were first announced when Kemin shared its worldwide expansion in October of 2010. At that time, the company committed to adding 98 new positions and has already exceeded that number, to date hiring 137 new, full-time jobs. When the expansion is complete, Kemin will have added six new manufacturing facilities, three new research facilities and a new corporate headquarters building – altogether a more than $40 million investment.

Nearly 150 scientists from Des Moines and around the world participated in the dedication of the Molecular Advancement Center. With 26 open positions, Dr. Nelson discussed the importance of STEM education as it relates to the company’s ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce, “As we look around this morning, the key to this building is not the building but the people who work in the building. I can’t talk to you enough about the importance of STEM education in the next five to ten years. It builds the jobs in Iowa and the jobs in the world that bring us forward in so many technological areas and allow us to feed the enormous numbers of people on this planet.” 


Central Iowa 1931
Central Iowa 1931 (Photo credit: davecito)

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Chief

Years of experience in the design and installation of grain handling facilities, from on-farm drying and storage to large port terminals, coupled with modern technology and the latest manufacturing methods, makes Chief UK your ideal partner whether embarking on a new project, or expanding an existing plant. Click on image to visit company website.

August 23, 2013

Event: FIAAP/VICTAM/GRAPAS Asia 2014 early bird discount ending soon!

FIAAP/VICTAM/GRAPAS Asia 2014 Exhibitions & Conferences reach the growing markets of South and Southeast Asia. For the chance to meet senior industry executives, colleagues and new potential clients, visit the shows in Bangkok from 8-10 April 2014.

Who and what will you find there?
You can find the answers in the confirmed Exhibitor List which has exhibitors from 19 countries so far.

Navigate the world market in three days, exhibit at FIAAP/VICTAM/GRAPAS 2014. It's not too late to be there, there is still time and space left. However, do not wait too long as there is less than 20% space left.

An early bird discount is still available if you book before September 1st!

More information.


Book before September 1st for discounted rates at this year's FIAAP/VICTAM/GRAPAS exhibition


Bühler

Bühler is a specialist and technology partner for plant, equipment, and services for processing basic foods and for manufacturing advanced materials.Click on image to visit company website.

New! GFMT article: FEED FOCUS: Health benefits of natural feed ingredients: oregano increases efficiency of cattle feeds

Following on from pelleted feed technology for dairy cows, this article, written by Thomas Logemann, head of sales at Dostofarm GmbH, Germany, discusses the health benefits of natural feed ingredients, with a focus on how oregano can increase the efficiency of cattle feeds.

Since the 1950s, scientists have known about the medical efficacy of certain plants. Still, they only found their way into modern livestock farming about 10 years ago. Today, they are not only found in the organic sector.

Read the full article here.


Oregano use in cattle feed




23/08/2013: USW South Korea new director; IFIF's feed report; Evonik launches animal feed center

The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) recently announced that Dr. Won Bang Koh, country director, South Korea, is to retire on September 30, 2013. Koh will be replaced by Chang-Yoon Kang.

“In the wheat business, relationships matter and Dr. Koh has built an incredible link between U.S. wheat farmers with the Korean millers and bakers who buy and process their crops. We thank him for his commitment to this industry and for his dedicated service over the last 28 years; he will be missed,” said Alan Tracy, president of USW. 

Back in July, IFIF launched its "Comparison of Regulatory Management of Authorized Ingredients, Approval Processes, and Risk-Assessment Procedures for Feed Ingredients" report.

Drafted on expert input and support by government feed regulators and feed ingredients associations, the report covers Brazil, Canada, China, European Union, Japan, South Africa, and United States.

The objective of the report is to address similarities and differences among the 7 regulatory jurisdictions on the management of existing feed ingredients, the approval process, and risk management assessment for feed ingredients.
 
Evonik Industries has opened its first analytical center for animal feed in South Asia. Located in Singapore, the multimillion US dollar investment complements Evonik's other analytical centers in Hanau, Germany and Beijing, China.  


Flag of South Korea
Flag of South Korea (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Trimble introduces new agriculture app for fleet management

Navigation company Trimble, have announced the launch of its Connected Farm™ Fleet app, built to serve managers and technicians by enabling them to access their fleet information from any location. 

Using smartphones and tablets, the app enables the fleet management portion of Trimble's industry-leading Connected Farm Web solution to go mobile. With the app, managers can track the location of vehicles, receive geo-fence and curfew alerts, analyze vehicle status, and view historical positions. The app can also display current status information such as whether the vehicle is idling, moving, working or delayed. This information flows into the Connected Farm Web solution, which allows managers to analyze the efficiency and productivity of their fleet. 

To download the free app, go to the Apple App Store℠ or Google Play™ Store or click here to scan the QR code.

Features of the Connected Farm Fleet app enable users to:

 - View the position and status of each vehicle overlaid on background imagery or road maps
 - Map the locations of landmarks (such as structures, storage locations, irrigation/drainage, etc.) and   view them for reference when navigating in remote areas
 - Use turn-by-turn navigation to locate vehicles from your current position
 - Receive geo-fence and curfew alerts
 - View historical positions

“The popularity of mobile apps continues to grow in agriculture,” said Joe Denniston, vice president for Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “Agribusiness managers are looking for ways to be more efficient and manage their fleets while on the go. By providing remote access to fleet information, the Connected Farm Fleet app can help increase efficiency and flexibility.”

The free Connected Farm Fleet app is compatible with a variety of smartphones and tablets using an iOS or Android™ operating system.

In order to view their fleet's information on the Connected Farm Fleet app, customers will need to purchase Trimble's vehicle management service as well as a DCM-300 modem with data cellular service for each vehicle that will be tracked. Customers can use a demo function to explore the features provided before subscribing to the service.


The new app is part of Trimble's growing Connected Farm solution, an integrated operations management solution that provides information exchange across the entire farm. Connected Farm provides wireless data transfer between the office and field, vehicle-to-vehicle information sharing and vehicle tracking, productivity and delay reports, remote diagnostics via the Remote Assistant service, and a Connected Farm Scout app for scouting and mapping.
More information.


English: A black version of an emblem used by ...
English: A black version of an emblem used by iOS app developers to indicate that something is available for download from the App Store. It has a image of an iPhone and reads "Available on the App Store". (Photo credit: Wikipedia)





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August 22, 2013

22/08/2013: Grain coalition; Vietnam to expand on maize and soybean; Carr's new low-moisture feed block business

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has proposed a takeover of GrainCorp

However, in the run up to the Australian federal election next month, Warren Truss, leader of the National Party of Australia, has voiced his opposition of the proposed $3-billion takeover. 

The Vietnam Animal Feed Association recently stated that Vietnam is lacks sufficient materials for  animal feed production. Pham Duc Binh, deputy chairman stated that the lack of materials is down to unreasonable decisions about what plants to grow.

According to Binh, if animal feed producers coul seek domestic material sources, they would not have to import materials any more, which would allow them to cut down expenses (VND1,000 per kilo for transportation cost). 

Agriculture and engineering group, Carrs Milling Industries PLC, has announced that its wholly owned USA subsidiary, AFS Inc., is investing in a new joint venture aimed at producing its patented low-moisture feed block products.

The new company will be called ACC Feed Supplement LLC.


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English: Coat of arms of Vietnam 日本語: ベトナムの国章
English: Coat of arms of Vietnam 日本語: ベトナムの国章 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

New! GFMT article: FEED FOCUS: Pelleted feed technology for dairy cows

In this article, Amanda Zhou of Allance Machinery, China discusses pellet feed production for dairy cows.

Pellet feed production technology was first introduced in China in the 1930s. Since then, pelleting has become one of the most common techniques in animal feed processing. Pellets had lots of advantages over crumbles, such as less dust, no grading, balanced animal nutrition, enhanced feed intake and easy storage and transportation.

Read the full article here


Pellet feed production for dairy cows


Alapala

Alapala, serves the flour, semolina, maize, feed and turn-key industries, giving the most economical solutions to their customer all over the world. More than 85 countries since 1954. Click on image to visit company website.

Interview: Gerard Klein Essink, CEO, Bridge2Food, the Netherlands on the 6th Protein Summit

The 6th Protein Summit brings together the different industries using and producing proteins: from food, feed and aquaculture to pet food industries and food ingredient suppliers of animal and vegetable origin. The global need for protein is eminent. What kind of opportunities are available in short, mid and long term? How will markets and industries develop? What are the key drivers? Where can you co-operate and find new technology solutions for sustainability and health? Bridge2Food hopes to contribute to solving these issues with providing a protein platform with the right people and insights.

The major players in the different food and other industries will be present 24 & 25 September in Rotterdam: well over 100 attendees and speakers.

GFMT spoke to Gerard Klein Essink, CEO, Bridge2Food, the Netherlands, about what the Summit hopes to achieve.

Why is sustainability so important in the food and feed industries?
Sustainability is a key priority for the industry. With increasing demand for high quality protein the industry needs to ensure sustainability to meet the growing demand. All industries are fishing in the same pond. While the food industry has been making attempts at moving sustainability ahead, it should be recognised that much more needs to be done and can be done to secure future supply of raw materials. It is important to connect and close food chains as there will be a lot more pressure from consumers, retailers and governments on food waste, which will also affect the operating conditions in the food industry in a positive way.
 
How relevant are cross industry networks?
At Bridge2Food we work on different platforms, such as new trends, ingredients and technologies. We often see that those companies, who look at the broader picture and who have an overview of the developments in different sectors, can move faster and they are then ahead of the game. For instance, technology companies with a longstanding experience in the dairy industries with separation technologies, want to work with vegetable protein industries and their customers. They have the capabilities and the ideas, but what is lacking it the know-how of the applications and the industry needs. Grain, feed and food manufacturers, who acknowledge this situation, can turn their challenge into an opportunity and cooperation and connect the dots.

Reducing food waste: what do you expect?

Food waste reduction is the next big thing that is going to influence the food, feed and agricultural industries. The UN has recently announced that this is going to be a major theme for the world to solve in view of the growing imbalance between poor and rich nations. It will be more and more difficult for lesser developed countries to afford protein rich ingredients and protein foods as supply is getting shorter and more expensive. Western governments, retailers, manufacturers and researchers are working on a common agenda. It is not only about enabling technologies, but also about regulation and thinking outside the box. At the Protein Summit, Wageningen University will provide the industry an overview of the what´s happening in Europe and how and where companies can shape new co-operations.

Improving healthy living with more nutritious and high protein foods: here to stay?
Certainly, high protein foods is the thing in the USA at this moment. No industry can do without a high protein equivalent of their current product range. Consumers are being educated on what protein is and which benefits can be obtained. This awareness is key to sustainable growth. European markets will follow, yet it may take a little while before it will be as big as in the USA. Another good example of innovation opportunities in health with new technologies is germinating pulses. The Swiss based company Buhler has recently launched this technology. Pre-germinating makes pulses and pulse flours up to 6 times more healthy and cooking more convenient due to the shorter cooking times.
 
How can the industry source sustainable feed materials?

The key is to find other sources that do not put further stress on marine resources. A lot of work is already being done on developing new soybean traits without anti-nutritional factors. We are very pleased that soy expert John Baize, who has been monitoring global soy demand and supply, will share his forecasts and what will drive the soy industry. New opportunities will also come from other pulse sectors such as Canadian pea growing, research and processing. This industry needs direction and is looking for strategic partnerships. How fast new protein sources like insect proteins and Rubisco will contribute to the global agenda, will also depend on increasing efforts of industry demand and cooperation.

How did you go about setting up the Summit?
We always work closely together with industry experts to make a new challenging agenda with great content. This is the 6th time we are hosting a Protein Summit and each time we strive for a higher quality. Prof. Rob Hamer, Vice President of Unilever Research is the Summit Chair, seconded by 3 experts, who are leading a special track. The track chair on future supply and demand is Jeroen Leffelaar, Global head of Rabobank International, the health track is chaired by Ronald Visschers, Business Manager at research organization TNO and your editor and colleague Roger Gilbert of Perendale Publishing.

I hope that through global collaboration and research, pooling of resources and sharing knowledge, the 6th Summit will contribute to make significant improvements across the industry in terms of sustainability, more food security and a better world.



More information about the 6th Protein Summit here

Gerard Klein Essink, CEO, Bridge2Food, the Netherlands